best CD/DVD burning and ripping software?

[MikeSp]

Long ago I started with Roxio which was flaky and switched to Nero and have been a satisfied user of Nero ever since. Now that I have moved to a new computer running Vista, I started looking again at Nero and saw horrible reviews of a bloated piece of software that does everything -- NOT what I need.

I am after a simple but dependable (with verification) software that can burn DVDs and CDs (data and music) and rip CD's, is easy to use and does not attempt to do much more than that and runs under 32 bit Vista. Freeware, shareware or for purchase -- just something that works and does not thow in the kitchen sink with it.

Thoughts/opinions/recommendations

Thanks

MikeSp

 

[Sam25]

You can try Ashampoo Burning Studio 8, I use it and it's a fanstastic piece of software. I've also heard of Gear Pro 7 which works with Vista

 

[Quiksilver]

I use:
Burrrn - For burning music CD's (lightweight and fast.)
ConvertXtoDVD - For burning DVD's.
IMGBurn - For burning/ripping ISO's or creating data DVD or CD's.
Ripping - Exact Audio Copy; for ripping music CD's (This thing is very advanced; I suggest googling up a tutorial.)
Handbrake - For ripping DVD's. (also advanced. same thing as above.)

If you want something that is more or less an all in one; perhaps someone else can suggest something.

 

[Blazer]

i recently purchased a dvd/cd drive it came with nero 7, i selected what i wanted to install and all was good, the drive cost 25 bucks, nero 7 was free with the drive.

 

[Blain]

I'm happy with Nero 7 Ultra.
One thing I always do when installing is choose the "Custom" install option if possible.
That way I can weed out the program applications I won't use.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Another vote for Ashampoo for burning & ISO work. I also use DVDFab for DVD ripping.

 

[nordloewelabs]

doesnt Nero 6 work on Vista? if normally not, there might be a way to make the 2 dance together. Nero 6 is very light and cover all my needs. another good app is CDBurnerXP....and its freeware.

 

[Sam25]

Originally posted by: nordloewelabs
doesnt Nero 6 work on Vista? if normally not, there might be a way to make the 2 dance together. Nero 6 is very light and cover all my needs. another good app is CDBurnerXP....and its freeware.

Nope, Nero 6 does not work with Vista. Afaik, Nero versions 7 and higher work on Vista.
CDBurnerXP is a good one, versions 4 and higher will work on Vista perfectly.

 

[Jaffacaique]

Hi Sam

Thanks for the references you gave me a while ago regarding the undelete software that restores folders, will get round to trying them eventually.

I decided to uninstall NERO 7 recently after looking at the installation size on the HDD '678mb' the only functions I used was to create CD /DVDs etc and also Wave Editor. 638mb was the lowest size I could get after uninstaling all unneeded extras. In the end after experimenting I now use BurnAware FREE, this gives you basic functions which is enough for my needs and only installs at '12.4mb'. WavePad Editor FREE '2.75mb' has now replaced Nero 7 Wave Editor, again this gives you the basics needed to do the job. For CD Ripping I now use Express Rip '843kb' All these work great with Vista 32bit. Installation size now is around 17mb total, previously with Nero 7 it was 678mb...goodbye NERO hello alternatives.

 

[blackangst1]

Another vote for Nero 7. You dont have to install the whole suite either. Just custom install.